Get 500 Bonus Points, Free Gold Status From Hertz
In SmarterTravel's recent Editors' Choice Awards, we noted that "the frequent-renter schemes of the major car rental companies are 97-pound weaklings compared to the massive, robust loyalty programs of the airlines, or even the more modest frequent-stay programs of the hotels."
Putting a positive spin on it, that means there's plenty of room for improvement in the rental car programs. And Hertz may be doing just that.
Offer Details
Between July 1 and September 30, Hertz #1 Club Gold members are being offered 500 bonus points simply for registering, enough for a free weekend rental day, plus 100 bonus points per day on paid rentals.
Not a Hertz #1 Club Gold member? Not a problem.
Through September 30, new members will receive Gold status without being assessed the normal $60 membership fee; and current non-Gold members can upgrade to Gold membership without paying the fee as well. Use the appropriate link on the promotion landing page to enroll or upgrade.
Registration is required.
Deal or No Deal
It's always been an easy matter to secure Hertz #1 Club Gold membership without paying the $60 fee, so this offer doesn't add much value there.
The 500 bonus points, on the other hand, are a significant enticement to engage with the program if you're not already a member, and to upgrade if you haven't already done so.
And the 100 bonus points on rentals are a nice value-add for those focused on earning free rentals this summer.
Reader Reality Check
Are you an active participant in a rental car loyalty program? Which one(s)? Is it worth your time?
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I hope i will allways be a Hertz member.
Posted by: William Thomas | 09/20/2011 at 06:45 AM
Has anyone received their bonus miles yet? I registered 3 weeks ago and still haven't received the points. Like that the email said get 500 bonus points right away, yah right!
Posted by: LWH | 08/05/2011 at 10:06 AM
Worked for me - already Gold member (& Yes I never paid for the Gold) but it took a few tries to use a link that worked.
Posted by: Bill N DC | 06/28/2011 at 11:55 AM
Since it is clearly stated above and on the Hertz website that this promotion is only for "NEW members" (emphasis added) -- no, existing members obviously don't "automatically get" the bonus for joining.
Posted by: J Maxwell | 06/28/2011 at 11:44 AM
what if you already have gold? do you get the points automatically?
Posted by: gigiliz | 06/28/2011 at 10:19 AM
As I understand it, they will charge a $60 fee AUTOMATICALLY to the credit card you have on file with them on September 30, 2011. On their websire it says:
Join Hertz #1 Club Gold for free!
($60 membership fee waived until Sept. 30th.)
Posted by: Daniel Cook | 06/28/2011 at 09:35 AM
Hey! I was wondering if I have to put a reminder in my calendar then, so that I do not forget to cancel membership. Put differently, will they charge $60 in a year from now if I do not disenroll?
Posted by: JSW | 06/27/2011 at 02:46 PM